Research Assistant | Housing

Position Title: Research Assistant | Housing

Type: Contractor  

Location: Chicago Loop (hybrid) 

Role Overview: 

Metropolitan Planning Council is seeking a Research Assistant to support a statewide housing research initiative co-led with the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, focused on identifying and understanding barriers to housing production across Illinois’ diverse regions. The project combines quantitative and qualitative research with statewide stakeholder engagement to develop a data-driven framework that explains how housing supply challenges vary across geographies and markets. 

In this role, the Research Assistant will primarily support qualitative research and analysis activities, including background research, interviews, synthesis of findings, and preparation of research materials, while also providing support for coordination and stakeholder engagement as needed. 

This independent contractor position requires a time commitment of approximately 20 hours per week for 26 weeks, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The start date is flexible, with a preference for an April or May start. This role is well suited for graduate students, advanced undergraduates, or early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience supporting applied policy research and statewide engagement. 

All candidates must be based in the State of Illinois. This is a hybrid or fully remote role, depending on the Research Assistant’s location within the state. Candidates based in Central or Downstate Illinois are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• For Research Assistants based in the Chicago region, the role includes an expectation of in-person work at MPC’s Chicago office for meetings and collaboration as needed, approximately 8 hours per week. 

• For Research Assistants based outside the Chicago region, the role may be performed fully remotely, with in-person work focused on fieldwork and meetings in their region as needed. 

Core Responsibilities: 

Research & Analysis Support 

• Conducting background research, literature reviews, and policy scans related to housing supply, zoning, land use, development costs, permitting processes, and government capacity 

• Supporting the collection, review, and analysis of administrative and regulatory data, such as local zoning codes, building codes, permitting data, and other publicly available government datasets 

• Assisting with the compilation, cleaning, organization, and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research findings produced by MPC staff and external research partners 

• Supporting preparation of research memos, summaries, briefing materials, and working drafts of reports 

Research Documentation & Synthesis 

• Helping document research methods, assumptions, and key findings 

• Summarizing insights from interviews, focus groups, and advisory group discussions for integration into research outputs 

• Supporting the organization of datasets, notes, and analytic materials 

Stakeholder Engagement & Project Support 

• Supporting logistics and preparation for advisory group meetings, stakeholder interviews, workshops, and regional convenings 

• Preparing background materials and detailed meeting notes 

• Assisting with scheduling, follow-up, and coordination with partners as needed 

Communications & Materials Support 

• Assisting with preparation and formatting of presentation materials, summaries, and internal research documents 

• Supporting efforts to present research findings in clear, accessible ways for different audiences 

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

MPC seeks an individual who is research-minded, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks. The ideal candidate will be: 

• Detail-oriented and methodical, with strong organizational skills 

• Comfortable working with qualitative and/or quantitative information, including publicly available administrative or regulatory data 

• A clear and accurate writer, able to summarize complex material 

• Curious about housing, land use, and public policy 

• Professional and comfortable working with multiple collaborators 

• Experience or coursework related to housing policy, urban planning, public policy, economics, or related fields is preferred but not . 

Education and Experience 

• Experience supporting research, analysis, or policy projects through academic, internship, or professional experience 

• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and synthesize information from multiple sources 

• Experience with research documentation, note-taking, or analytic support 

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, political science, economics, or a related field is preferred but not  

• Enrollment in, or completion of, a graduate program is desirable but not  

Academic or internship experience may substitute for professional experience 

Working Environment: 

Candidates must be based in Illinois. This is a hybrid or fully remote position based on the research assistant’s location in the state. Candidates based in the Chicago region will be expected to be hybrid as needed for in-person meetings and coordination in MPC’s Chicago office. MPC is a collaborative organization, and we encourage active cross-team and cross-project learning and engagement regardless of work location. 

Compensation:   

Compensation is $18 per hour, and MPC provides a $35/month transportation subsidy. Students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit are welcome to apply. 

How to Apply 

Please submit the following materials to [email protected] 

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience or a short, relevant writing sample 

• Your résumé or CV 

Application Deadline:  Friday, April 3, 2026, at 4:00 pm CST

No phone calls please.   

About MPC 

Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every neighborhood has promise. Every community should be heard. And every person can thrive. Since 1934, this independent, nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.

For more information on MPC, please visit our website: www.metroplanning.org 

EEOC/Diversity Statement:   

MPC is an equal opportunity employer. We stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees